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By MEGAN SCOTT, Times Staff WriterThe former hubby of Jennifer Lopez wants to be known in his own right as a choreographer. On Saturday he'll share his skills at two classes in Tampa.
Don't call him the ex-Mr. J-Lo.
Yes, Cris Judd was married to Jennifer Lopez for 17 months - a relationship that made him an instant celebrity.
But he insists there is more to him than that.
"I was already an established choreographer before I met Jennifer," he said. "I'm just trying to move on, learn new things. I want to make light of things and do as much as I can."
On Saturday, he is coming to the USF Sun Dome in Tampa to show some of his best moves to more than 500 aspiring dancers. The Studio Hip-Hop Training Center in Clearwater is bringing Judd in for two workshops on hip-hop dance. Price tag to participate: $55.
Lisa DeCamella, the owner, said she knew about Judd, pre-J Lo.
She said he is forging a reputation as one of the best hip-hop choreographers.
"He has a very clean, tight style," she said. "He has a lot of precision in his movements. I'm trying to mold myself after his choreography."
The Studio paid his expenses for three days, but Judd is not making any money off of his appearances here. Proceeds from the workshops will benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County.Judd has been keeping busy with both his careers: choreographer and celebrity.
He choreographed and performed in the movie Bringing Down the House. He has appeared on ABC's I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here and walked away with a $200,000 prize. He judged the national Venus Divine "Legs of a Goddess" contest for the razor company.
He and his business partner Eddie Garcia also have an instructional dance DVD coming out around the first of the year.
On Saturday, he will teach teens how to pop their shoulders, kick their legs and roll their necks. He will also answer questions about the industry.
"Hip-hop is a lifestyle," he said. "It's a subculture, a way people live. It's everything, not just clothes or music."
Audra Robinson, 17, conceded that Judd's J-Lo association was one of the reasons she paid the registration fee.
But when she learned that Judd had worked with Usher, Ja Rule, and other celebrities, she became even more excited.
"I have always wanted to work with a famous choreographer," said the East Lake High School senior. "I hope to learn more choreography, more dance, different styles."
Choreographer Cris Judd will give two hip-hop workshop sessions, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the USF Sun Dome. Registration is $55. The proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County. For more information, call the Studio at 724-5999.